Guangzhou Introduction

Guangzhou, famed as the 'City of Flowers' and 'South Gate of China', has been blessed with the beauty demanded of a tourist destination, the ancient interests of a historical and cultural city as well as the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolis.

In addition to being the capital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou is also the political, commercial and cultural center of the Southern China. Covering an area of about 7,434 sq km (1.8 million acres), it enjoys an advantageous location north of Pearl River Delta where it borders Hongkong and Macau. Facing the South Sea of China, it is also traversed by the Pearl River, the third largest river in China. With its mild subtropical climate, the city has maintained more than 7.3 million residents here.

History
Guangzhou boasts a long history of over 2,200 years and is listed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities in China. Guangzhou was initially named Chuting which means 'Palace of Chu' (Chu is a powerful state during the Chinese Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, 770 BC - 221 BC).

According to an old beautiful legend, the city had survived through the severe desolation caused by natural disasters until five immortals riding colorful rams bestowed upon the people some rice; hence the name 'City of Rams' and 'City of Sui' (Sui means an ear of grain, as of wheat). The sculpture of the Five Rams, which can be seen in the Yuexiu Park, has become a city landmark. Becasue of its open surroundings, Guangzhou was the starting point of China's Marine Silk Road and ultimately played a pivotal role in foreign trade for China. From the historical relics currently housed at the Western Han Nanyue Kings Tomb Museum, the religious communication centre of Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Bright Filial Piety Temple and Huaisheng Mosque, it is still possible to find some clues of the communications between Guangzhou and other foreign countries in the ancient time.

In the last century, Guangzhou was also known as the pioneer of revolutions, uprisings, political reforms and the spread of new ideologies. It was in Guangzhou that the 'Father of Modern China' - Dr. Sun Yat-sen planned the 1911 revolution and led many other uprisings that facilitated the progress of Chinese democracy. In addition, numerous outstanding generals in the later military fights were cultivated in the world famous Whampoa Military Academy founded in this city. Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and his monument in Yuexiu Park are just two spots to recall this great man and his achievements.

Since ancient times, Guangzhou has also been regarded as a commercial metropolis. In fact, Guangdong Province was considered as a place in China where merchants from home and abroad could come and seek an easy fortune. Since Chinese reforms led to an 'Open Door' foreign policy, Guangdong is usually selected first as a testing ground for new policies, giving it an unparalleled opportunity to develop in advance of other cities. The 'First Fair of China' or the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Canton Fair) has always been held in Guangzhou for over 100 times since its opening. Now, the stars of comprehensive shopping malls, commercial streets or special markets are always within your reach wherever you stand in the city. Guangzhou is also known as the 'Hometown of Overseas Chinese' and the economic growth of the city owes much to them.

Guangzhou is also one of the main cradles of 'Culture of South Ridges' in China. Its paintings, architectures, gardening, bonsais and arts and crafts are all unique in the whole China. Canton embroideries (one of the four famous types of embroideries found in China), sculptures and colored porcelains illustrate only some of the artwork created in Guangzhou. Included as favorites among many Chinese and foreigners are also: the Cantonese dialect, Canton Music, Canton Opera and Guangdong Cuisine (also know as Canton Cuisine). The sayings goes that 'Where there are overseas Chinese, there are bosom friends of Cantonese Music'. Another famous phrase states 'Born in Suzhou , grow in Hangzhou and eat in Guangzhou'.

Guangzhou is also the 'Home of Fruits' for the various kinds of tasty fruits that are produced there. Litchi, banana, pawpaw and pineapple, which are considered as the four best fruits of South Ridges, are really worth of trying. The city is also well-known for its plentiful teahouses. Having had too much of cocktails and brandies, another enjoyment to try is some authentic and fragrant Chinese tea in Guangzhou.

For its all-year round suitable climate, Guangzhou is perfect for adundant flowers. The red Kapok is the flower of the city and every spring, the whole city is overflowing in a sea of brilliant flowers. On the eve of Chinese Spring Festival (Lunar Jan.1st), splendid flower markets in the street pull citizens out of their homes and attract many visitors to their stalls. There are also displays of chrysanthemums in autumn and flower floats in the New Year Festival. The garden in the enticing and relaxing White Cloud Mountain Resort is another place to appreciate nature's lovely petals.